There's no question we're overwhelmed by gadgets. To simplify our lives a bit, manufacturers are creating devices that do double or triple duty like the Treo 650 cell phone/PDA. Other examples are camcorders that tout their digital still attributes, so they not only take videos but photographs as well. In this case, the theory being you can carry one less gadget, put your digital camera on eBay and just use a single device. We can honestly say that up until recently this has been a fool's errand, as the photo quality of most camcorders is pathetic. $99 Vivitars and Concords found in Wal-Mart do better jobs than "photo-taking camcorders." Fortunately things are changing as manufacturers enhance imaging devices, lens quality, add a load of photographic circuitry and other goodies.

The new Canon Optura 600 is a good case in point. It records excellent MiniDV videos plus it takes 4 megapixel stills, far better than most of the competition. In fact, of the 85-plus camcorders out there, only two JVCs (GR-X5US, GZ-MC500) and the Samsung SC-D6550 take better ones (5MP vs. 4MP). Now should you unload your old digital camera on eBay and use the proceeds for the Optura 600? Click on…" Link:



Link: Designtechnica